Quote:
Originally Posted by PrideKnight
I think I have a fairly good idea of how to scout around and whatnot, from my understanding, one of the beauties of the Dob is that you can pretty much point and view, and that is how we will start, i may buy him a skyscout or something for our anniversary.
When you say what he will see will increase over time, do you mean that our eyes become more sensitive to faint light and hence see colour, or just the incalculable amount of things out there to see?
The other part of his present (I am a massive fan of the Bait and Switch gift) is a Title deed on mars, after which he receives I will say "and you will need this to see it....in about 2014"
Appreciate the comments 
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Oh, yes! pointing and looking is a great way to start. I found it, and still do. a very useful exercise to look at the sky with binoculars of any sort until I see something a bit different and then point the scope at it and see what's there. Usually this will turn up nebulae, open clusters etc.
Seeing more over time is more about learning to observe - to notice more subtleties through experience. I find I revisit objects that I have looked at many times and still see more each time. One other thing about looking at faint objects is to use averted vision so that your rod cells (low light vision) are doing the work, not the cone cells (full light vision)at your fovea. You will see much more detail on faint nebulae, planetary nebulae and galaxies. Bright nebulae like M42 and Eta Carinae will not need this treatment. You will also find more objects over time, there is a lot out there!
Hope you both have a great time!